Folding desk

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the folding desk includes a rectangular desktop having a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge. A first desktop support subunit, a second desktop support subunit, and a privacy panel are each pivotally connected to the same major surface of the desktop. The first desktop support subunit pivots on a first pivot axis that is proximate and substantially parallel the first minor side edge. The second desktop support subunit pivots on a second pivot axis that is proximate and substantially parallel the second minor side edge. The privacy panel is pivotally connected to the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge. The first pivot axis is a greater distance from the desktop than the second pivot axis, allowing the folding desk to assume a relatively compact folded configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed primarily to a folding desk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many folding desks are at least somewhat difficult to convert from a folded configuration to a working configuration and/or from a working configuration to a folded configuration. For example, with some models, each desk leg must be manipulated independently to change or transition from the folded configuration to the working configuration or vice versa, increasing the time and user effort required to achieve the desired change in configuration. Additionally, few models approximate the functionality of conventional (non-folding) desks, and those that come closest generally are cumbersome, sacrificing portability for functionality.

Accordingly, there is a need for a folding desk that at least partially addresses the problems identified above. More specifically, there is a need for a folding desk that can be transported with relative ease, that is relatively simple to convert from a folded configuration to a working configuration and vice versa, and that can readily be enhanced by attaching various ancillary devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a folding desk is disclosed. The folding desk includes a desktop, a first desktop support subunit, a second desktop support subunit, and a privacy panel. The desktop includes a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge. The first desktop support subunit is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the first minor side edge. The first desktop support subunit, which is configured to pivot on a first pivot axis substantially parallel the first minor side edge, includes a first desk leg, a second desk leg, and a first connecting component connecting the first desk leg and the second desk leg in parallel. The first pivot axis is a first distance from the second major surface. The second desktop support subunit is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second minor side edge. The second desktop support subunit, which is configured to pivot on a second pivot axis substantially parallel the second minor side edge, includes a third desk leg, a fourth desk leg, and a second connecting component connecting the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg in parallel. The second pivot axis is a second distance from the second major surface, the second distance being less than the first distance. The privacy panel is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge. The privacy panel is configured to pivot on a third pivot axis parallel to the second major side edge.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a folding desk is disclosed. The folding desk includes a desktop, a first desktop support subunit, a second desktop support subunit, and a privacy panel. The desktop includes a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge. The first desktop support subunit is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the first minor side edge. The first desktop support subunit, which is configured to pivot on a first pivot axis substantially parallel the first minor side edge, includes a first desk leg, a second desk leg, and a first connecting component connecting the first desk leg and the second desk leg in parallel. The first desktop support subunit further includes a slot between the first desk leg and the second desk leg, the slot being configured to receive an ancillary device. The second desktop support subunit is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second minor side edge. The second desktop support subunit, which is configured to pivot on a second pivot axis substantially parallel the second minor side edge, includes a third desk leg, a fourth desk leg, and a second connecting component connecting the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg in parallel. The privacy panel is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge. The privacy panel is configured to pivot on a third pivot axis parallel to the second major side edge.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a desk system is disclosed. The desk system includes a folding desk and an ancillary device. The folding desk includes a desktop, a first desktop support subunit, a second desktop support subunit, and a privacy panel. The desktop includes a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge. The first desktop support subunit is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the first minor side edge. The first desktop support subunit, which is configured to pivot on a first pivot axis substantially parallel the first minor side edge, includes a first desk leg, a second desk leg, and a first connecting component connecting the first desk leg and the second desk leg in parallel. The first desktop support subunit further includes a slot between the first desk leg and the second desk leg, the slot being configured to receive an ancillary device. The second desktop support subunit is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second minor side edge. The second desktop support subunit, which is configured to pivot on a second pivot axis substantially parallel the second minor side edge, includes a third desk leg, a fourth desk leg, and a second connecting component connecting the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg in parallel. The privacy panel is pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge. The privacy panel is configured to pivot on a third pivot axis parallel to the second major side edge. The ancillary device includes a protrusion configured to engage the slot.

An advantage of the folding desk of the present invention is that, in a folded configuration, it is relatively compact and can be transported with relative ease.

Another advantage of the folding desk of the present invention is that it is relatively simple to transition it from a folded configuration to a working configuration and vice versa.

Yet another advantage of the folding desk of the present invention is that its functionality can readily be enhanced by attaching various ancillary devices (e.g., printer stand, hutch, wastebasket, CPU holder, magazine rack, file folder, and desktop expander).

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, in perspective, of an exemplary embodiment of the folding desk of the present invention in a working configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front view, in perspective, of the folding desk shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view, in perspective, of the folding desk shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4-8 collectively showing the folding desk of FIG. 1 transitioning from the working configuration to a folded configuration.

FIG. 9 is a front view, in perspective, of the folding desk of FIG. 1 in the folded configuration.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary interconnected desk system comprising the folding desk shown in FIG. 1, a hutch, a printer stand, and a wastebasket.

FIG. 11 is a rear view, in perspective, of another exemplary embodiment of the folding desk of the present invention in a working configuration.

FIG. 12 is a rear view, in perspective of the folding desk shown in FIG. 11 having a slide-in graphic and transparent protective sheet installed thereon.

FIG. 13 is a section view, taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 11, of first desktop support subunit.

FIG. 14 is a section view, taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 12, of first desktop support subunit having a slide-in graphic and transparent protective sheet installed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-9 show an embodiment of the folding desk of the present invention. Folding desk 10, which is shown in FIGS. 1-3 in a working configuration, includes a desk top 12 having a first major surface 14 and an opposing second major surface 16 (see FIG. 3). Desk top 12 may be rectangular, having a first minor side edge 18, an (opposing) second minor side edge 20 (see FIG. 2), a first major side edge 22, and an (opposing) second major side edge 24 (see FIG. 2). A first desktop support subunit 30 is pivotably connected to second major surface 16 at one or more locations proximate to first minor side edge 18. First desktop support subunit 30 may be pivotably connected to second major surface 16 by a first pair of hinge joints 32 defining a first pivot axis 34 that is substantially parallel to desktop 12 and (optionally) to first minor side edge 18. A second desktop support subunit 40 is pivotably connected to second major surface 16 (see FIG. 3) at one or more locations proximate to second minor side edge 20. Second desk support subunit 40 may be pivotably connected to second major surface 24 by a second pair of hinge joints 42 (see FIG. 2) defining a second pivot axis 44 that is substantially parallel to desktop 12 and (optionally) to second minor side edge 20. Assuming second major surface 16 is substantially planar, first pivot axis 34 and second pivot axis 44 preferably are not equidistant from second major surface 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, a first distance 50 between first pivot axis 34 and second major surface 16 is greater than a second distance 52 between second pivot axis 44 and second major surface 16. As explained more fully in reference to FIG. 9, this inequality enables folding desk 10 to achieve the folded configuration shown therein.

First desktop support subunit 30 includes a first desk leg 54, a second desk leg 56, and a first connecting component 58. First desk leg 54 and second desk leg 56 are connected to one another by first connecting component 58, which maintains first desk leg 54 and second desk leg 56 in parallel to one another, even as first desk support subunit 30 is pivoted about first pivot axis 34. First connecting component 58 includes at least one slot 60, which preferably is perpendicular to first desk leg 54 and to second desk leg 56. As shown in FIG. 1, first connecting component 58 may include a plurality of parallel slots 60, each of which is perpendicular to first desk leg 54 and second desk leg 56. Slots 60 are configured to receive protrusions from ancillary devices (e.g., printer stand, magazine rack), thereby securing the ancillary device to folding desk 10 to increase the functionality of folding desk 10. Slots 60 may be configured to receive an ancillary device from either direction, as shown in FIG. 10.

Second desktop support subunit 40 includes a third desk leg 62, a fourth desk leg 64, and a second connecting component 66. Third desk leg 62 and fourth desk leg 64 are connected to one another by second connecting component 66, which maintains third desk leg 62 and fourth desk leg 64 in parallel to one another, even as second desktop support subunit 40 is pivoted about second pivot axis 44 (see FIG. 2). Second connecting component 66 includes at least one slot 68, which preferably is perpendicular to third desk leg 62 and to fourth desk leg 64. As shown in FIG. 1, second connecting component 66 may include a plurality of parallel slots 68, each of which is perpendicular to third desk leg 62 and fourth desk leg 64. Slots 68 are configured to receive protrusions from ancillary devices (e.g., printer stand, magazine rack), thereby securing the ancillary device to folding desk 10 to increase the functionality of folding desk 10. Slots 68 may be configured to receive an ancillary device from either direction. Each of first desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40 may be of unitary construction or may comprise multiple components (e.g., desk legs, slat wall inserts, and fasteners). When folding desk 10 is in the working configuration, endpoints 70 of all the desk legs 54, 56, 62, 64 substantially define a rectangle. In an alternate embodiment, endpoints 70 of all the desk legs 54, 56, 62, 64 substantially define a square.

First desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40 can fold inward (i.e., toward one another) along first pivot axis 34 and second pivot axis 44, respectively. In the working configuration, first desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40 are each stabilized at approximately a ninety degree (90°) angle relative to desktop 12. More specifically, first desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40 are stabilized such that all the desk legs 54, 56, 62, 64 are substantially perpendicular to second major surface 16 of desktop 12, enabling them to support desktop 12. A privacy panel 72 is pivotably connected to second major surface 16 at one or more locations proximate to second major side edge 24. Privacy panel 72 may be pivotably connected to second major surface 16 by a third pair of hinge joints 74 (see FIG. 3), which define a third pivot axis 34 (see FIG. 3) that is substantially parallel to desktop 12 and (optionally) to second major side edge 24 (see FIG. 2). In the working configuration, privacy panel 72 is substantially perpendicular to second major surface 16 and is orthogonal to first desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40. As illustrated in FIG. 2, privacy panel 72 prevents first desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40 from folding inward. Referring to FIG. 3, a first releasable lock 80 secures privacy panel 72 to first desktop support subunit 30, preventing first desktop support subunit 30 from folding outward. A second releasable lock 82 support secures privacy panel 72 to second desktop support subunit 30, preventing second desktop support subunit 40 from folding outward. First releasable lock 80 aids in stabilizing privacy panel 72 and first desktop support subunit 30 in the orthogonal configuration. Similarly, second releasable lock 82 aids in stabilizing privacy panel 72 and second desktop support subunit 40 in the orthogonal configuration. First releasable lock 80 and second releasable lock 82 may be magnetic or mechanical (e.g., a latch, hook- and loop-type fasteners). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, first releasable lock 80 and second releasable lock 82 are mechanical latches.

Referring again to FIG. 2, desktop 12 may include a desktop slot 84 passing through first major surface 14 and second major surface 16 (see FIG. 3) at a location proximate or adjacent second major side edge 24. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, desktop 12 may include multiple slots 84, all of which are coaxial and parallel to second major side edge 24. Slots 84 are disposed between second major side edge 24 and third pair of hinge joints 74 (see FIG. 3), which pivotally connect privacy panel 72 to desktop 12. Slots 84 are configured to receive protrusions from ancillary devices configured to be secured to and supported at least in part by first major surface 14 of desktop 12 (e.g., hutch) to increase the functionality of folding desk 10. Slots 84 also serve as handles when folding desk 10 is in the folded configuration, facilitating transport. Still referring still to FIG. 2, privacy panel 72 may define a concavity 86 along a major edge 88, which is proximate to second major surface 16 (see FIG. 3) of desktop 12. Accordingly, when in the working configuration, a slot 90 is defined at the juncture of privacy panel 72 and desktop 12, the borders of slot 90 being defined by concavity 86 and second major surface 16. Electrical cords, for example, may pass through slot 90 to connect to electronic devices, instead of passing over first major surface 14 of desktop 12. Referring again to FIG. 3, a strap 78 is attached to second major surface 16. When folding desk 10 is in the folded configuration (see FIG. 9), strap 78 may be used to aid in maintaining first desktop subunit 30, second desktop subunit 40, and privacy panel 72 in positions parallel to desktop 12, as shown in FIG. 9, thereby stabilizing folding desk 10 in the folded configuration. Strap 78 may include an elastic material and may include hook-type fasteners on one end and corresponding loop-type fasteners on the other end, or another fastener system recognized in the art.

FIGS. 4-9 collectively show how folding desk 10 is folded to transition from the working configuration to the folded configuration, which is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Both first releasable lock 80 and second releasable lock 82 are released, allowing privacy panel 72 to pivot on third pivot axis 76 (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, privacy panel 72 is folded toward second major surface 16 of desktop 12, as represented by dashed arrow 92 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), until privacy panel 72 and desktop 12 are substantially parallel, as shown in FIG. 6. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, second desktop support subunit 40 is folded along second pivot axis 44 (see FIG. 2) toward second major surface 16 and first desktop support subunit 30, as represented by dashed arrow 94. Second desktop support subunit 40 is folded until third desk leg 62 and fourth desk leg 64 substantially contact second major surface 16 and until second desktop support subunit 40 is substantially parallel to desktop 12. At this stage, third desk leg 62 and fourth desk leg 64 are substantially coplanar with privacy panel 72, which is interposed between them, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, first desktop support unit 30 is folded along first pivot axis 34 toward second major surface 16 until first desk leg 54 and second desk leg 56 substantially contact third desk leg 62 and fourth desk leg 64, respectively. In this position, first desktop support unit 30 is parallel to second desktop support unit 40 and to desktop 12, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which show folding desk 10 in the folded configuration referred to previously. FIG. 9 illustrates the significance of the inequality between first distance 50 and second distance 52. First distance 50 is greater than second distance 52 to allow first desktop subunit 30 to be parallel to second desktop subunit 40 and to desktop 12, when folding desk 10 is in the folded configuration. The difference between first distance 50 and second distance 52 is approximately equal to the thickness of any one of the desk legs, which generally are substantially equivalent (see, e.g., FIG. 9 at 96). Otherwise, in the folded configuration, first desktop subunit 30 would be tangential to second desktop subunit 40, reducing the compactness of the folded configuration, thereby decreasing portability.

FIG. 10 shows various exemplary ancillary devices and how each may be attached to folding desk 10 when in the working configuration. Hutch 100 includes protrusions 102 configured to engage, in a sleeve-fit manner, desktop slots 84 of folding desk 10. Printer stand 104 includes a protrusion 106 configured to engage, in a sleeve-fit manner, slot 60 of first desktop support subunit 30. Printer stand 104, which may have only one pair of legs 108 as shown in FIG. 10, is not necessarily a stand-alone device and, therefore, may require first desktop support subunit 30 for support. Alternatively, printer stand 104 may engage a slot 68 of second desktop support subunit 40. Printer stand 108 or another ancillary device may include additional slots 110 to receive additional (sub-ancillary) devices to allow for further expansion of the functionality of folding desk 10. Also shown in FIG. 10 is a wastebasket 112 including a bracket 114 configured to engage slot 68 (or slot 60 or additional slot 110). In FIG. 10, wastebasket 112 is supported by second desktop support subunit 40, and although wastebasket 112 is shown engaging second desktop support subunit 40 from the interior (beneath desktop 12), it may also engage second desktop support subunit 40 from the exterior (opposing direction). Other exemplary ancillary devices include, without limitation, a side hutch, a CPU holder, a magazine rack, a file folder, and a desktop expander.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the folding desk of the present invention. Folding desk 120, while similar to the previously-described embodiment (folding desk 10), differs in that first desktop support subunit 30 includes additional features that allow folding desk 120 to receive a slide-in graphic 122 and an optional transparent protective sheet 124, thereby allowing the user to personalize folding desk 120. Slide-in graphic 122 may depict, for example, an image representative of a college or professional sports team. Transparent protective sheet 124, which is optional, may be composed of, for example, a polymeric substance, a shatter-resistant glass-like substance, or another substance recognized in the field as being suitable to protect slide-in graphic 122.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, first desk leg 54 includes a first graphic-receiving slot 126, and second desk leg 56 includes a second graphic-receiving slot 128. First graphic-receiving slot 126 and second graphic-receiving slot 128 are substantially parallel and face one another. First graphic-receiving slot 126 runs lengthwise along at least a portion of first desk leg 54. Similarly, second graphic-receiving slot 128 runs lengthwise along at least a portion of second desk leg 56. When folding desk 120 is in the working configuration, first graphic-receiving slot 126 and second graphic-receiving slot 128 are substantially perpendicular to desk top 12. FIG. 13 shows first desktop support subunit 30 prior to installation of slide-in graphic 122 and transparent protective sheet 124. FIG. 14 shows first desktop support subunit 30 following installation of slide-in graphic 122 and transparent protective sheet 124. Slide-in graphic 122 and transparent protective sheet 124 may be installed by sliding them into the space defined by first graphic-receiving slot 126 and second graphic-receiving slot 128 from the direction represented by arrows 130 and arrows 132 of FIG. 11. Slide-in graphic 122 and transparent protective sheet 124 may alternately be installed while folding desk 120 is in the folded configuration to avoid any partial obstruction by desktop 12, which—as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12—may overhang first desktop support subunit 30 when folding desk 120 is in the working configuration, rendering installation more difficult. The folded configuration of folding desk 120 is similar to the folded configuration of folding desk 10 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9). In another embodiment, first desktop support subunit 30 may be configured to receive slide-in graphic 122 and optional transparent protective sheet 124 from a direction opposing the direction represented by arrows 130 and arrows 132 direction, i.e., by sliding slide-in graphic 122 and optional transparent protective sheet 124 up through an opposing end 134 (see FIG. 11) of first desktop support subunit 30. In yet another embodiment, second desktop support subunit 40 may be configured to receive slide-in graphic 122 and optional transparent protective sheet 124. In still another embodiment, first desktop support subunit 30 and second desktop support subunit 40 each may be configured to receive a slide-in graphic 122 and an optional transparent protective sheet 124.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A folding desk comprising: a desktop comprising a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge; a first desktop support subunit pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the first minor side edge, the first desktop support subunit comprising a first desk leg, a second desk leg, and a first connecting component connecting the first desk leg and the second desk leg in parallel, the first desktop support subunit being configured to pivot on a first pivot axis substantially parallel the first minor side edge, the first pivot axis being a first distance from the second major surface; a second desktop support subunit pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second minor side edge, the second desktop support subunit comprising a third desk leg, a fourth desk leg, and a second connecting component connecting the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg in parallel, the second desktop support subunit being configured to pivot on a second pivot axis substantially parallel the second minor side edge, the second pivot axis being a second distance from second major surface, the second distance being less than the first distance; and a privacy panel pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge, the privacy panel being configured to pivot on a third pivot axis parallel to the second major side edge.
 2. The folding desk of claim 1, wherein the difference between the first distance and the second distance is approximately equal to a thickness of a desk leg selected from the group consisting of the first desk leg, the second desk leg, the third desk leg, and the fourth desk leg.
 3. The folding desk of claim 1, the first desktop support subunit further comprising a slot between the first desk leg and the second desk leg, the slot being configured to receive an ancillary device.
 4. The folding desk of claim 1, the second desktop support subunit further comprising a slot between the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg, the slot being configured to receive an ancillary device.
 5. The folding desk of claim 3, wherein the slot is perpendicular to the first desk leg and to the second desk leg.
 6. The folding desk of claim 4, wherein the slot is perpendicular to the third desk leg and to the fourth desk leg.
 7. The folding desk of claim 1, further comprising a releasable lock arranged and disposed to lock the privacy panel in an orientation perpendicular to the desktop.
 8. The folding desk of claim 1, the privacy panel comprising a concavity along a portion of a privacy panel side edge proximate the desktop.
 9. The folding desk of claim 1, wherein the desktop is substantially rectangular.
 10. A folding desk comprising: a desktop comprising a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge; a first desktop support subunit pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the first minor side edge, the first desktop support subunit being configured to pivot on a first pivot axis substantially parallel the first minor side edge, the first desktop support subunit comprising a first desk leg, a second desk leg, and a first connecting component connecting the first desk leg and the second desk leg in parallel, the first desktop support subunit further comprising a slot between the first desk leg and the second desk leg, the slot being configured to receive an ancillary device; a second desktop support subunit pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second minor side edge, the second desktop support subunit being configured to pivot on a second pivot axis substantially parallel the second minor side edge, the second desktop support subunit comprising a third desk leg, a fourth desk leg, and a second connecting component connecting the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg in parallel; and a privacy panel pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge, the privacy panel being configured to pivot on a third pivot axis parallel to the second major side edge.
 11. The folding desk of claim 10, the desktop further comprising a desktop slot passing through the first major surface and the second major surface at a location proximate the second major side edge.
 12. The folding desk of claim 10, further comprising a releasable lock arranged and disposed to lock the privacy panel in an orientation perpendicular to the desktop.
 13. The folding desk of claim 12, the releasable lock being further arranged and disposed to lock the privacy panel to the first desktop support unit and secure the first desktop support unit in an orientation orthogonal to the privacy panel and perpendicular to the desktop.
 14. The folding desk of claim 13, further comprising a second releasable lock arranged and disposed to lock the privacy panel in an orientation perpendicular to the desktop.
 15. The folding desk of claim 14, the second releasable lock being further arranged and disposed to lock the privacy panel to the second desktop support unit and secure the second desktop support unit in an orientation orthogonal to the privacy panel and perpendicular to the desktop.
 16. The folding desk of claim 10, wherein the first pivot axis is a first distance from the second major surface, and the second pivot axis is a second distance from second major surface, the first distance being unequal to the second distance.
 17. The folding desk of claim 16, wherein the difference between the first distance and the second distance is approximately equal to a thickness of a desk leg selected from the group consisting of the first desk leg, the second desk leg, the third desk leg, and the fourth desk leg.
 18. The folding desk of claim 10, the privacy panel comprising a concavity along a portion of a privacy panel side edge proximate the desktop.
 19. A desk system comprising: a folding desk comprising: a desktop comprising a first major surface, an opposing second major surface, a first major side edge, an opposing second major side edge, a first minor side edge, and an opposing second minor side edge; a first desktop support subunit pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the first minor side edge, the first desktop support subunit being configured to pivot on a first pivot axis substantially parallel the first minor side edge, the first desktop support subunit comprising a first desk leg, a second desk leg, and a first connecting component connecting the first desk leg and the second desk leg in parallel, the first desktop support subunit further comprising a slot between the first desk leg and the second desk leg, the slot being configured to receive an ancillary device; a second desktop support subunit pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second minor side edge, the second desktop support subunit being configured to pivot on a second pivot axis substantially parallel the second minor side edge, the second desktop support subunit comprising a third desk leg, a fourth desk leg, and a second connecting component connecting the third desk leg and the fourth desk leg in parallel; and a privacy panel pivotally connected to the second major surface of the desktop at a location proximate to the second major side edge, the privacy panel being configured to pivot on a third pivot axis parallel to second major side edge; and an ancillary device comprising a protrusion configured to engage the slot.
 20. The desk system of claim 19, wherein the ancillary device is selected from the group consisted of printer stand, CPU holder, magazine rack, file folder, wastebasket, and desktop expander. 